Committee Works to Resolve Several Bridge Design Issues

More design issues related to the new Missouri River Bridge were the topic of discussion at the Missouri Highway 47 Bridge Committee meeting Thursday morning.

Discussion centered around four issues, which were brought to the committee’s attention by Judy Wagner, Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) area engineer.

Issues included:

• Where the plaque located on the southeast side of the existing bridge will be relocated;

• Whether or not the city wants to reuse the current bridge lights;

• If the city wants to save a specific beam or member of the existing structure; and

• If the city wants to consider trailhead parking.

Committee members discussed the possibility of saving the beam with the plaque, as well as using it as part of a monument on the riverfront trail or at another location.

The plaque also could be relocated to the bumpout that will be located on the pedestrian trail on the new bridge.

The committee agreed that the Lions Club, which contributed to funding the lighting on the current bridge, should be formally asked where they would like to see the lights be used.

Darren Lamb, community and economic development director, said the city is open to suggestions on where the lights could be reused.

Bob Zick, committee chairman, said the lights will not be reused on the new bridge.

Mike Marquart, bridge committee member, suggested getting an etching of the current bridge on bronze plaque to display with the saved piece of bridge. That way, people could see what the bridge looked like along with the salvaged beam.

In anticipation that people will want to park and walk across the bridge and back, the committee discussed trailhead parking.

A suggestion was made to have parking available on the north (Warren County) side.

Zick said it was brought to his attention that there’s no parking at Krog Park and people still find spaces to park, however, they want to get a professional opinion on if parking is needed and where.

Committee members agreed that they would like to get more input on all four topics before making any final decisions.

The next committee meeting is set for Thursday, Oct. 17, at 7:45 a.m., in the city council chambers.